Prepare a Business Plan

The audience for your business plan

There are many benefits to creating and managing a realistic business plan. Even if you just use it in-house, it can:
help you spot potential pitfalls before they happen
structure the financial side of your business efficiently
focus your development efforts
work as a measure of your success

Many people think of a business plan as a document used to secure external funding. This is important because potential investors, including banks, may invest in your idea, work with you or lend you money as a result of the strength of your plan.

The following people or institutions may request to see your business plan at some stage:
banks
external investors - whether this is a friend, a venture capitalist firm or a business angel
grant providers
anyone interested in buying your business
potential partners

You should also bear in mind that a business plan is a living document that will need updating and changing as your business grows. Regardless of whether you intend to use your plan internally, or as a document for external people, it should still take an objective and honest look at your business. Failing to do this could mean that you and others have unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved and when.

Introduction :
The audience for your business plan
What the plan should include
The executive summary
Your business, its products and services
Your markets and competitors
Marketing and sales
Your team's skills
Your operations
Financial forecasts
Presenting your business plan
Here's how having an up-to-date business plan helped my business